More than five prominent European Travel Agents travelled to Papua New Guinea to experience PNG’s unique birdlife and picturesque landscapes from Wednesday 9 to Wednesday 16 October this year.

The exclusive familiarization (FAM) tour was a tour organized by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), in collaboration with Air Niugini (PX) and Flight Directors UK.

This trip was the outcome of TPA’s participation in the UK’s Global Bird Fair event earlier this year, which generated over 50 leads and sales, sparking international interest in PNG’s vast bird biodiversity. The coordinated FAM tour was organized by the Managing Director for Flight Directors UK, Air Niugini’s General Sales Agent (GSA), Vikky Joyce, alongside representatives from TPA.

The tour’s aim was to showcase PNG’s potential as a world-class bird-watching destination, with an itinerary designed to maximize exposure to diverse bird species and pristine habitats across renowned locations such as Walindi, Magic Mountain Lodge, Kumul Lodge, Rondon Ridge, Lake Murray, and Variarata National Park.

General Manager of Spazio and Vice President of Commercial for Distal & ITR Group, Francesco Veneziano, who was a part of the tour, commended TPA and PX for the opportunity for him to see PNG’s tourism potential.

“I am deeply grateful to PX, TPA, and our sponsors for providing me with this opportunity. This FAM tour has equipped us with the firsthand insights we need to champion Papua New Guinea’s eco-tourism potential in Italy and beyond.
The Italian market holds tremendous potential for sustainable tourism in PNG. We’re committed to developing tourist traffic that values PNG’s pristine environments as a final frontier of natural beauty—a journey that will bring great benefits to all involved,” said Veneziano.

Account Manager for Flight Directors, Alison Sorrell, who was also on the tour, highlighted PNG’s remarkable beaty.

“It was thrilling to explore PNG’s beautiful islands, and Walindi Resort was truly amazing. The large bungalows, fully equipped with all necessary facilities, were set in stunning gardens. Waking up to the sound of birds and watching the sunrise over the ocean was unforgettable.

“We were even able to observe the King of Saxony up close, which was truly amazing! This trip has been a memorable experience and an invaluable introduction to Papua New Guinea’s potential for bird tourism,” said Sorrell.

Walindi Plantation Resort, known for its traditional bungalows, breathtaking ocean views, and nearby rainforests, offered a welcoming start to the itinerary. Birding excursions revealed spectacular species such as the Raggiana Bird of Paradise and Blue Bird of Paradise, thrilling the participants in the tour, including BBC Wildlife TV presenter Mike Dilger and acclaimed bird photographer Laurens Steijn.

Bob Bates from Trans Niugini Tours added another level of adventure by arranging light aircraft transport to Lake Murray in the Western Province, where Bensbach Wildlife Lodge, served as an ideal base for bird-watching and wildlife photography.
Local community involvement was integral to the tour’s success, with residents and guides sharing their knowledge of PNG’s birdlife and engaging directly with visitors. This initiative aligns closely with TPA’s sustainable tourism goals, which prioritize protecting PNG’s natural habitats and enriching the economic prospects of local communities.

Future efforts by TPA will continue to focus on attracting special-interest groups such as photographers and nature enthusiasts, diversifying tourism opportunities while promoting the conservation of PNG’s environmental.

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, commended the efforts of his team, PX and Flight Directors.

“Our partnership with Air Niugini and Flight Directors has proven that Papua New Guinea holds significant potential in the birding and eco-tourism market.

We look forward to expanding these initiatives, sharing PNG’s unique natural wonders with a global audience, and supporting sustainable tourism practices that benefit all,” said Uvovo.

Uvovo also highlighted the importance of the tour to attract special tour groups to experience PNG’s million different journey.
“Our hope is that their firsthand accounts and enthusiasm will spark a ripple effect, positioning PNG as a leading bird-watching and nature-based tourism destination.

The goal of this FAM tour was to showcase PNG’s remarkable bird biodiversity to industry professionals who can promote our unique country globally, and it can only be done when we provide an authentic experience of our landscapes and endemic bird species,” said Uvovo.

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